By: Kimberly Graf
Dr. Julie Moore, Chief Nursing Officer at St. Joseph’s Health, shaping the future of patient care through empowered leadership.
With a career shaped by compassion and a commitment to empowerment, Dr. Julie Moore is redefining nursing leadership at St. Joseph’s Health. In just six months as Chief Nursing Officer, she has launched initiatives to support nurses, strengthen patient care, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.
When Dr. Julie Moore, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, accepted the role of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at St. Joseph’s Health just six months ago, she brought not just impressive credentials, but also a deep sense of purpose, a passion for empowering nurses, and a vision for how compassionate leadership can shape the future of healthcare.
For Moore, nursing wasn’t her first career. She began in information technology, but a life-changing personal experience shifted her path entirely. “My father became ill and passed away very quickly,” she recalls. “It was a nurse caring for him who inspired me to pursue nursing as a second career. That encounter changed the entire trajectory of my life.”
That moment continues to guide her philosophy today: creating environments where nurses feel valued, supported, and empowered to give their best to patients. It is the foundation of her leadership at St. Joseph’s Health.
A Philosophy Rooted in Empowerment
Moore’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and listening. She believes nurses need more than direction; they need to understand the “why” behind change. “Healthcare is constantly evolving, and that can feel disruptive,” she explains. “But when nurses feel heard and included in shaping innovation, change becomes
progress.”
To strengthen communication and engagement, Moore has launched a weekly newsletter for nursing staff, cleverly titled The Moore You Know, a play on her last name. She also introduced “Ask the CNO,” a QR code on her business card that connects nurses with her directly, ensuring every team member has a voice.
Shaping the Future of Nursing at St. Joseph’s
In her short time with St. Joseph’s, Moore has wasted no time launching initiatives to strengthen nursing practice and culture. Among them are enhancements to the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ (VNRP) and mentorship programs, expanded professional development opportunities, and new shared governance councils that give nurses direct influence over policy and practice.
She has also championed technology solutions that reduce administrative burdens, such as virtual nursing, allowing clinicians to spend more time at the bedside. For Moore, these steps are not only about recruitment but also retention and well-being. “It’s important to invest in competitive compensation and flexible scheduling, but it’s equally important to recognize and support the emotional health of our teams,” she says. “When caregivers feel valued, they provide even better care to patients.”
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Compassion
Recognition and gratitude have been recurring themes in Moore’s career. She was recently named one of the Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers of 2025 by Women We Admire. She has also received honors such as the DAISY Award and the Dallas Great 100 Nurses Award achievements she humbly attributes to the patients and colleagues who nominated her.
“Those moments remind me of the nurse who inspired me,” she reflects. “You never know whose life you may be touching.” At St. Joseph’s, she is building a culture of recognition, including plans to expand the hospital’s DAISY Award program from quarterly to monthly, ensuring nurses receive the appreciation they deserve.
Beyond the Hospital Walls
Moore is equally passionate about community engagement. Recently named to the American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Team for the 2026 Heart Walk, she sees the role as both personal and professional. “My father’s undiagnosed heart condition inspired me to become a nurse,” she says. “Being part of the Heart Walk is a way to honor his legacy while building connections here in Syracuse.”
Outside of work, Moore treasures time with her family—especially her grandchildren— and enjoys being on the water. A Massachusetts native who came to New York by way of Texas, she and her family are enjoying the Great Lakes and Thousand Islands and hope to return to boating on New York’s lakes. She also hopes to resume another personal passion: fostering and rescuing animals in need.
Looking Ahead
As she reflects on her first six months, Moore is energized by the potential ahead. “I want nurses to come join our culture, come join St. Joseph’s, and be part of the amazing things to come,” she says. “We’re building something special here, and I can’t wait to look back in a year and see the difference we’ve made.”
For Julie Moore, leadership is not about titles—it’s about lifting others up, empowering nurses, and ensuring compassion remains at the heart of healthcare. And at St. Joseph’s Health, that future is already taking shape.
St. Joseph’s Health has a nursing recruiting program that includes a residency for new graduates and opportunities for experienced nurses. https://jobs.sjhsyr.org/ For questions for Julie Moore: AsktheCNO@sjhsyr.org